John V. Cinchett

John V. Cinchett is a third generation Tampa native. His passionate interest in historic preservation began with his rich family heritage dating back to 1910 when his Grandfather was baptized in the family church that John still attends today. He is an author, musician, composer, freelance writer and artist who has a deep passion for historic preservation and appreciation of Tampa's rich history.

Cinchett has been working extensively on the preservation and restoration project of his family's historic collection of photographs over the last ten years. He was delighted by the opportunity to compile and research the collection and discovered many interesting stories about the places pictured in the book as he interviewed dozens of long-time Tampa families about their businesses during the 1950s. His family operated one of Tampa's most successful neon sign companies during the 1950s and 1960s, documenting their work through photographs that have become a pictorial documentary of Tampa's growth and expansion during that time period. The author also worked at his family's neon sign company during the 1980s, making it a third-generation family-operated company.

John is also a benefactor for the new Tampa Bay History Center, where he has donated several of the historic photographs from his family collection. He continues to work on preservation efforts of historic photographs for the city of Tampa and is currently working on several book projects.

The book "Vintage Tampa Signs and Scenes" is a success story for historic preservation. The collection of photos restored by the author have unique historical value to the city of Tampa. There is no other collection of photos in existence like this anywhere or in any book. This is what makes the book so valuable and rare. There is a known gap in historic photographs from the time period this collection covers (primarily 1955-1965) representing Tampa. What also makes the collection unique is that most of the photos are close-ups of the neon sign, business and building, revealing many nostalgic treasures that can be enjoyed as the picture is studied.

He hopes that this work will bring back fond memories for Tampa families and inspire the telling of more colorful stories. Cinchett regards the book as a unique look into Tampa's glorious past, and a pictorial treasure chest to share.

John V Cinchett published his 2nd book in 2012- "Vintage Tampa Storefronts and Scenes". This book will focus on all the family-owned stores and shops around Tampa during the 1940s-50s-60s featuring over 200 never-before-seen historic Tampa photos. There has never been a book like this created. The book will feature actual photos of the stores and the people behind them, with many interior photos as well.

** NEWS FLASH ** - NEW BOOK FOR 2018:

Author John V. Cinchett is pleased to announce the publication of his 3rd Tampa history book. 'Historic Tampa Churches' takes the reader back to Tampa's early years and celebrates the history and heritage of more than 50 of Tampa's oldest churches and temples, established between 1846 and 1926. Fascinating stories are shared along with more than 230 vintage historic photographs collected from church archives of every denomination. The author will take his readers on a walking tour of Tampa's most beautiful historic structures in every neighborhood around the city.